Since arriving in 1961, the 77-year-old Alberto’s hairdresser has spent 54 years serving Launcestonians, running a Brisbane Street salon between 1963 and 1984 before moving to the business’ current premises.

“I started my ladies apprenticeship in 1952 in Italy, so when I came (to Launceston) I was well and truly professional,” Mr Santamaria said.  

“I still have customers who were coming in 50 years ago - not many, but some customers are in their 90s.

“I’ve actually got - would you believe - five generations of one family, the little girl is five now and she was brought in to make me realise that now we have five generations, it's amazing.”

Starting his career as a ladies hairdresser, Mr Santamaria eventually expanded into men’s cuts, which had been profoundly impacted by the popularity of The Beatles.

“In the ‘70s it had a switch where the young boys didn’t want to get their hair cut - they all had long hair. 

“We had a problem then that the fathers would be furious with the boys for having long hair and the mothers would be sad because the father didn't understand.

“The mother would ask us 'if we bring my son in could you just cut a little bit so we can say he's had it cut?'.”

Mr Santamaria said while the time was right to sell the business, he was looking forward to spending much of the remainder of the year doing what he has always done. 

“I haven't actually said that I'm retiring but I am in the fact that I'm selling the building.

“By the time everything is done it might be another six or seven months and then once it’s sold I'm not going anywhere else.

“By the end of this year I'll be retired, but it's been a long journey.”

Alberto’s will be sold at an on-site auction on April 21.